Microelectronic devices and microelectronic support devices, and associated assemblies and methods

ABSTRACT

Microelectronic devices, associated assemblies, and associated methods are disclosed herein. For example, certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device that includes a microfeature workpiece having a side and an aperture in the side. The device can further include a workpiece contact having a surface. At least a portion of the surface of the workpiece contact can be accessible through the aperture and through a passageway extending between the aperture and the surface. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic support device that includes a support member having a side carrying a support contact that can be connectable to a workpiece contact of a microfeature workpiece. The device can further include recessed support contact means carried by the support member. The recessed support contact means can be connectable to a second workpiece contact of the microfeature workpiece.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) and 37 C.F.R. §1.55 of Republic of Singapore Application No. 200505410-1 filed Aug. 24, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to microelectronic devices, associated assemblies, and associated methods, including microelectronic devices having a microfeature workpiece and/or a support member with one or more recessed contact(s).

BACKGROUND

Semiconductor chips or dies are typically manufactured from a semiconductor material such as silicon, germanium, or gallium/arsenide. The dies also typically include terminals to facilitate electrical connection of the die with another electrical component. One common package design includes a semiconductor die attached to a small circuit board, e.g., via an adhesive. Some or all of the terminals of the semiconductor die may then be electrically connected to a first set of contacts of the board, e.g., by wire bonding and/or flip chip technology. At least a portion of the connected board and die may then be encapsulated in a sealing compound to add structural integrity and/or protect portions of the die and board from environmental factors. Often a second set of contacts carried on an outer surface of the board remain exposed. These exposed contacts are electrically connected to the first contacts, allowing the features of the semiconductor die to be electrically accessed.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional die and circuit board assembly 1. This assembly 1 includes a semiconductor die 10 having a top surface 22 a and a bottom surface 22 b. The bottom surface 22 b is attached via an adhesive 46 to a circuit board 40. The first surface 22 a of the die 10 includes multiple terminals 30, which are used to electrically connect the die 10 to contact pads 42 on the circuit board 40 using wires 44. Typically, dies 10 are manufactured using an etching process (e.g., isotropic etching) and the terminals 30 are distributed across the first surface 22 a of the die 10 providing a two-dimensional array of terminals 30.

As semiconductor dies 10 are made smaller, it can be necessary to make the terminals 30 smaller and/or decrease the pitch of the terminals 30 (e.g., reduce the distance between the centers of the terminals 30). Because of limitations on the etching process (e.g., the accuracy or precision of the process), the effective bonding area of the terminals 30 can be greatly reduced when decreasing the size and/or decreasing the pitch of the terminals 30. The same size/pitch limitations occur on circuit boards 40, as the size of the circuit boards 40 is reduced. For example, the spacing required between the contact pads 42 on the circuit board 40 to provide structural support and to ensure proper physical and electrical separation between the contact pads 42 in a two-dimensional array can reduce the effective bonding area to 58 microns for a contact pad pitch of 140 microns. In many cases this effective bonding area is too small to bond the wires 44 to the contact pads 42 and a larger effective bonding area is desirable. A solution to these kinds of reduction in effective bonding area is to replace the etching process with a semi-additive process for producing circuit boards 40 and/or an RDL process for producing dies 10. These processes, however, are more complex and more expensive than the etching processes currently used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic illustration of a conventional die and circuit board assembly in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2A is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a microfeature workpiece during the formation process of a microelectronic device in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of the microfeature workpiece, shown in FIG. 2A, with two passageways extending between a first surface of the microfeature workpiece and a second surface of the microfeature workpiece.

FIG. 2C is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of the microfeature workpiece, shown in FIG. 2B, with two workpiece contacts positioned proximate to the second surface of the microfeature workpiece.

FIG. 2D is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of the completed microelectronic device that includes the microfeature workpiece shown in FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIG. 3 is a partially schematic cross-sectional illustration of a microelectronic device assembly in accordance with other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic cross-sectional illustration of a microelectronic device assembly in accordance with still other embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Introduction

The present invention is directed toward microelectronic devices, and associated assemblies and methods. For example, certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device that includes a microfeature workpiece having a side and an aperture in the side. The device can further include a workpiece contact having a surface, with at least a portion of the surface of the workpiece contact accessible through the aperture and through a passageway extending between the aperture and the surface.

Other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device that includes a microfeature workpiece having a first side, a second side, and a passageway. The passageway can extend through the microfeature workpiece between a first aperture in the first side and a second aperture in the second side. The device can further include a workpiece contact having a first surface and a second surface. The workpiece contact can be carried by the second side and can be positioned to cover at least a portion of the second aperture. The workpiece contact can also be electrically coupled to an element of the microelectronic device. At least a portion of the first surface of the workpiece contact can be positioned to be accessible through the first aperture and the passageway.

Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device assembly that includes a support member having a first support contact and a second support contact. The assembly can further include a first connector, a second connector, and a microfeature workpiece having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The assembly can still further include a first workpiece contact carried by the first side of the microfeature workpiece. The first workpiece contact can be connected to the first support contact via the first connector. The assembly can yet further include a second workpiece contact carried by the microfeature workpiece. The second workpiece contact can be recessed from the first side and can be connected to the second support contact via the second connector.

Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device assembly that includes a support member having a support contact, a connector, and a microfeature workpiece having a side and an aperture in the side. The assembly can further include a workpiece contact having a surface. The surface of the workpiece contact can be connected to the support contact via the connector. The connector can extend through the aperture and through a passageway that extends between the aperture and the surface.

Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method for making a microelectronic device that includes positioning a workpiece contact to be recessed from a side of a microfeature workpiece. The method can further include creating a passageway extending between an aperture in the side of the microfeature workpiece and a surface of the workpiece contact. The surface of the workpiece contact can be accessible through the aperture in the side of the microfeature workpiece and the passageway.

Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method of making a microelectronic device assembly that includes positioning a workpiece contact to be recessed from a side of a microfeature workpiece. The method can further include creating a passageway extending between an aperture in the side of the microfeature workpiece and a surface of the workpiece contact. The method can still further include connecting the surface of the workpiece contact to a support contact of a support member with a connector. The connector can extend through the aperture and through the passageway.

Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic support device that includes a support member having a first side, a second side, and a passageway extending through the support member between a first aperture in the first side and a second aperture in the second side. The device can further include a support contact having a first surface and a second surface. The support contact can be carried by the second side and can be positioned to cover at least a portion of the second aperture. At least a portion of the first surface of the support contact can be positioned to be accessible through the first aperture and the passageway.

Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic support device that includes a support member having a side and a support contact carried by the side of the support member. The support contact can be connectable to a workpiece contact of a microfeature workpiece via a connector. The device can further include recessed support contact means carried by the support member. The recessed support contact means can be connectable to a second workpiece contact of the microfeature workpiece via a bond wire.

Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device assembly that includes a microfeature workpiece having a first workpiece contact and a second workpiece contact. The assembly can further include a connector, a bond wire, a support having a side, and a first support contact carried by the side of the support. The first support contact can be connected to the first workpiece contact via the first connector. The assembly can further include a second support contact carried by the support and recessed from the first side. The second support contact can be connected to the second workpiece contact via the bond wire.

Yet other aspects of the invention can include a microelectronic device assembly that includes a microfeature workpiece having a first workpiece contact and a second workpiece contact. The assembly can further include a connector, a bond wire, a support member having a side, and a support contact carried by the side of the support member. The support contact can be connected to the first workpiece contact by the connector. The assembly can further include recessed support contact means carried by the support member. The recessed support contact means can be connected to the second workpiece contact via the bond wire.

Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method for making a microelectronic support device that includes positioning a support contact to be recessed from a side of a support member. The method can further include creating a passageway extending between an aperture in the side of the support member and a surface of the support contact. The surface of the support contact can be accessible through the aperture and the passageway.

Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method of making a microelectronic device assembly that includes positioning a support contact to be recessed from a side of a support member. The method can further include creating a passageway extending between an aperture in the side of the support member and a surface of the support contact. The method can still further include connecting the surface of the support contact to a workpiece contact of a microfeature workpiece with a bond wire extending through the aperture and through the passageway.

As used herein, the terms “microfeature workpiece” and “workpiece” refer to substrates that are used to form microelectronic devices. Typical microdevices include microelectronic circuits or components, thin-film recording heads, data storage elements, microfluidic devices; and other products. Micromachines and micromechanical devices are included within this definition because they are manufactured using much of the same technology that is used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. The substrates can be semiconductive pieces (e.g., doped silicon wafers or gallium arsenide wafers), non-conductive pieces (e.g., various ceramic substrates), or conductive pieces. In some cases, the workpieces are generally round, and in other cases the workpieces have other shapes, including rectilinear shapes. The workpieces can include flexible tape and/or rigid substrates.

Several specific details of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 2A-4 to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments of the invention. For example, FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the formation of a microelectronic device or a microelectronic support device that has a three-dimensional array of contacts. In certain embodiments, the three-dimensional array of contacts can overcome the pitch limitations associated with the two-dimensional arrays of conventional dies and/or circuit boards produced using an etching process (e.g., as discussed with reference to FIG. 1). FIG. 3 is an illustration of a microelectronic device assembly having a microelectronic device with a three-dimensional array of workpiece contacts in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a support member having a three-dimensional array of support contacts in accordance with still other embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present invention may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the invention may be practiced without several of the specific features described below.

B. Microelectronic Devices and Associated Methods

FIG. 2A is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a microfeature workpiece during the formation process of a microelectronic device in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For the purpose of illustration, the formation of the microelectronic device will be discussed in terms of a microfeature workpiece, however, one skilled in the art will understand that this process can apply equally to a the formation of one or more contacts on a microelectronic support device and/or a support member, as discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4. The microfeature workpiece 220 includes a first side to 222 a and a second side 222 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sides 222 a, 222 b are positioned opposite one another and a first workpiece contact 230 a is carried by the first side 222 a. The first workpiece contact 230 a includes a first surface 234 a and a second surface 234 b. In FIG. 2A, the second surface 234 b of the first workpiece contact 230 a is mounted or coupled to the first side 222 a of the microfeature workpiece 220 and the first surface 234 a is accessible.

In FIG. 2B two passageways 224 have been formed in the microfeature workpiece 220, shown as a first passageway 224 a and a second passageway 224 b. The first passageway extends between a first aperture 226 a in the first side 222 a and a second aperture 226 b in the second side 222 b. The second passageway 224 b extends between a third aperture 226 c in the first side 222 a and a fourth aperture 226 d in the second side 222 b. The passageways 224 can be formed by laser drilling (e.g., laser punching) the microfeature workpiece 220 or by using other methods well known in the art (e.g., etching, semi-additive, build-up, and/or mechanical punching techniques).

In FIG. 2C, a second workpiece contact 230 b and a third workpiece contact 230 c have been added to the microfeature workpiece. The second workpiece contact 230 b can include a first surface 234 a and a second surface 234 b, and can be recessed from the first side 222 a of the microfeature workpiece 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the second workpiece contact 230 b is positioned proximate to the second aperture 226 b so that at least a portion of the first surface 234 a of the second workpiece contact 230 b is accessible through the first aperture 226 a and the first passageway 224 a. For example, the second workpiece contact 230 b can be carried by or on the second side 222 b so that the second workpiece contact 230 b partially or fully covers the second aperture 226 b. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the first surface 234 a of the second workpiece contact 230 b is mounted to (e.g., formed in, formed on, attached to, coupled to, supported by, and/or connected to) the second side 222 b of the microfeature workpiece 220 so that the second aperture 226 b is fully covered.

The third workpiece contact 230 c can have a first surface 234 a and a second surface 234 b, and can be carried by the microfeature workpiece 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the third workpiece contact 230 c can be carried proximate to the fourth aperture 226 d in a manner generally similar to the placement of the second workpiece contact 230 b relative to the second aperture 226 b. Accordingly, at least a portion of the first surface 234 a of the third workpiece contact 230 c can be accessible through a third aperture 226 c and a second passageway 224 b.

FIG. 2D is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a completed microelectronic device 210 (e.g., a digital signal processor, logic chip, DRAM, flash memory, or processor) that includes the microfeature workpiece 220 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C. In the illustrated embodiment, the first, second, and third workpiece contacts 230 a, 230 b, 230 c (referred to collectively as workpiece contacts 230) can be coupled or connected to at least one other element 212 (e.g., electronic elements) carried by the microfeature workpiece 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the workpiece contacts 230 are coupled to the other element 212 via signal pathways 249 (e.g., wires or integrated circuitry). In other embodiments, one or more of the workpiece contacts 230 can be directly connected to the other element 212 without an intervening signal path 249.

The workpiece contacts 230 can be used to connect or couple the microelectronic device 210 to external components (e.g., a support member external to the microelectronic device 210). In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of a connector 244 (e.g., a bond wire) is shown coupled, attached, or connected to the first surface 234 a of the second workpiece contact 230 b. The connector 244 extends through at least a portion of the first passageway 224 a and out of the first aperture 226 a where it can be connected to another component external to the microelectronic device 210.

A protective material 214 (e.g., a dielectric material, encapsulant, epoxy, and/or resin) can be used to cover or encase portions of the microelectronic device 210, including portions of the microfeature workpiece 220, portions of the workpiece contacts 230, and portions of the elements 212. In various embodiments, the protective material 214 can provide structural integrity and/or protect portions of the microelectronic device 210 from environmental conditions (e.g., moisture, dust, and/or electromagnetic radiation). For example, in the illustrated embodiment the second surface 234 b of the second workpiece contact 230 b, and the second surface 234 b of the third workpiece contact 230 c are encased in the protective material 214 along with other portions of the microfeature workpiece 220.

Additionally, the workpiece contacts 230 can be made from various materials and include one or more portion(s). For example, in the illustrated embodiment the second workpiece contact 230 b includes two portions, shown as a first portion 232 a and a second portion 232 b. In certain embodiments, the first portion 232 a can include different materials than the second portion 232 b. For example, in one embodiment the first portion 232 a can be made from copper and the second portion 232 b can have a nickel-gold composition (e.g., the second portion 232 b can include a layer of soft gold over nickel that prevents oxidation and facilitates connectivity to the connector 244). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and third workpiece contacts 230 a, 230 c include single portions (e.g., single portions made from a copper material). In other embodiments, the workpiece contacts 230 can include other materials based on the desired workpiece contact characteristics (e.g., the desired conductive, protective, and/or connective properties).

By distributing the workpiece contacts 230 between the first and second sides 222 a, 222 b, the workpiece contacts 230 are distributed in three dimensions (e.g., along the X, Y, and Z axes), however, in the illustrated embodiment all of workpiece contacts 230 are accessible from the first microfeature workpiece side 222 a. This can allow the workpiece contacts 230 to be spaced closer together with respect to the X and Y axes than when the workpiece contacts 230 are carried in a two-dimensional array (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). For example, because the workpiece contacts 230 can be staggered between the first and second sides 222 a, 222 b, the surface area of the microfeature workpiece 220 required to structurally support the workpiece contacts 230 can also be distributed between the first and second sides 222 a, 222 b. This can allow peripheral, non-bonding portions of the workpiece contacts 230 (e.g., portions of the workpiece contacts 230 which are only used to structurally support the workpiece contacts 230) carried on different surfaces to be placed closer together relative to the X and Y axes or even overlap one another.

Additionally, placing the workpiece contacts 230 in a three-dimensional array also allows vertical spacing to be used to provide physical and electrical separation between the workpiece contacts 230. Furthermore, laser drilling techniques can be used to precisely place the first and second passageways 224 a, 224 b, allowing the workpiece contacts 230 to be closely placed with respect to the X and Y axes. Accordingly, more workpiece contacts 230, having a desired effective bonding area, can be placed in a given area using the three-dimensional array than can be done using the two-dimensional arrays of conventional dies produced using an etching process (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). In certain embodiments, the three-dimensional array shown in FIG. 2D can allow three workpiece contacts 230, with usable effective bonding areas, to be accessible via the same surface area that is required to carry two workpiece contacts 230 in the two-dimensional array used on conventional dies. For example, in certain embodiments the three-dimensional array can allow a workpiece contact pitch of less than 140 microns while maintaining suitable workpiece contact bonding areas.

Accordingly, a feature of some of the embodiments described above is that a larger number of workpiece contacts, with suitable bonding areas, can be accessible from a specified area on a single side of a microelectronic device as compared to a conventional die having a two-dimensional array produced using an etching process (as shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, this larger number of workpiece contacts can be achieved without resorting to more complex and/or more costly processes (e.g., semi-additive or RDL processes). Accordingly, an advantage of this feature is that microelectronic devices can be made smaller without resorting to these more complex or costly production techniques and without reducing the number of available workpiece contacts.

The embodiments of the microelectronic device 210 and associated methods discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D can be modified in additional embodiments of the invention. For example, in other embodiments the microfeature workpiece 220 can include more, fewer, or different arrangements of surfaces, passageways 224, other elements 212, and/or apertures 226. For instance, in certain embodiments the passageway(s). 224 can be tapered. For example, in one embodiment the second aperture 226 b can be smaller than the first aperture 226 a and the first passageway 224 a can include a monotonic taper between the first and second apertures 226 a, 226 b. In still other embodiments, the microelectronic device 210 can include more or fewer workpiece contacts 230.

In yet other embodiments, the workpiece contacts can have more or fewer workpiece contact portions 232, more surfaces 234, and/or other arrangements. For example, although in the illustrated embodiment the second and third workpiece contacts 230 b, 230 c cover and extend through the corresponding apertures into the corresponding passageways 224, in other embodiments the second and/or third workpiece contacts 230 b, 230 c do not extend through the corresponding aperture(s) 226. For instance, in one embodiment, the first surface 234 a of the second workpiece contact 230 b and the first surface 234 a of the third workpiece contact 230 c are positioned to be flush with, and to cover, the second and fourth apertures 226 b, 226 d, respectively. In still other embodiments, some of the workpiece contact(s) 230 can be recessed from the first side 222 a of the microfeature workpiece 220 and accessible from the first side through passageway(s) 224, but the recessed workpiece contacts are positioned away from the second side 222 b of the microfeature workpiece 220 (e.g., the recessed workpiece contacts 230 can be positioned internally in the microfeature workpiece 220). In yet other embodiments, the microelectronic device 210 includes other arrangements of protective material(s) or does not include any protective material.

As discussed above, the concepts, processes, and apparatuses discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D apply equally to support members having recessed contacts. For example, in other embodiments the workpiece contacts 230 can be replaced with support contacts and can be coupled to a support member instead of the microfeature workpiece 220 to form a microelectronic support device having recessed support contacts. Additionally, support members and/or microelectronic supports having one or more recessed contacts, can have advantages similar to those discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D.

C. Microelectronic Device Assemblies and Associated Methods

FIG. 3 is a partially schematic cross-sectional illustration of a microelectronic device assembly 300 with a microelectronic device 310 operatively or electrically coupled to a support member 340 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a microelectronic device 310 similar to the microelectronic device discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D is structurally coupled to the support member (e.g., by an adhesive 346). The microelectronic device 310 includes a microfeature workpiece 320 add three workpiece contacts positioned in a three-dimensional array, shown as a first workpiece contact 330 a, a second workpiece contact 330 b, and a third workpiece contact 330 c (e.g., referred to collectively as workpiece contacts 330). Each workpiece contact 330 includes a first surface 334 a and a second surface 334 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the microfeature workpiece 320 includes a first side 322 a and a second side 322 b, and the first workpiece contact 330 a is carried by the first side 322 a. In FIG. 3, the second and third workpiece contacts 330 b, 330 c are positioned proximate to the second side 322 b. Additionally, the second and third workpiece contacts 330 b, 330 c are positioned so that at least a portion of the first surface 334 a of the second workpiece contact 330 b is accessible through a first passageway 324 a and at least a portion of the first surface 334 a of the third workpiece contact 330 c is accessible through a second passageway 324 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second passageways 324 a, 324 b are tapered and the second and third workpiece contacts 330 b, 330 c have been configured to extend through at least a portion of their respective passageway 324 a, 324 b (e.g., the second and third workpiece contacts 330 b, 330 c can be “plated up” using electrostatic plating). Accordingly, because the second and third workpiece contacts 330 b, 330 c extend partially through the first and second tapered passageways 324 a, 324 b the effective bonding area can be increased and/or the bonding depth (e.g., the depth a connector 344 must extend into the first and second passageways 324 a, 324 b) can be reduced. In certain embodiments, a first protective material 314 a can cover at least a portion of the microfeature workpiece 320, the second surface 334 b of the second workpiece contact 330 b, and/or the second surface 334 b of the third workpiece contact 330 c to provide structural integrity and/or protection from the environment.

In the illustrated embodiment, connectors 344 (e.g., bonding wires or solder balls) can electrically couple the workpiece contacts 330 of the microelectronic device 310 to support contacts 342 of the support member 340. For example, a capillary 350 (e.g., a slimline bottle capillary, which is well known in the art) can be partially inserted into the second passageway 324 b and a connector 344 (e.g., a wire comprised of gold) can be fed through the capillary and bonded to the third workpiece contact 330 c. For example, a capillary 350 with a tip having tapered sides (e.g., sides with a ten degree taper) can be inserted partially into the second passageway 324 b and a connector 344 can be fed though the capillary 350 to impact an end of the connector 344 against the first surface 334 a of the third workpiece contact 330 c. By managing the amount the capillary is inserted into the second passageway 324 b and the impact force of the end of the connector 344 against the third workpiece contact 330 c, a desired mashed ball height and mashed ball diameter can be obtained. Additionally, thermal and/or ultrasonic energy can be used to complete the bonding process. In certain embodiments, a molten ball can be formed on the end of the connector 344 before the end of the connector 344 is forced against the third workpiece contact 330 c by the capillary 350. In any case, an opposite end of the connector 344 can then be coupled or bonded to a support contact 342 of the support member 340 in a similar manner or using other techniques. The first and second workpiece contacts 330 a, 330 b can also be coupled to support contacts 342 of the support member 340 in a manner similar to that used with the third workpiece contact 330 c or by using other processes.

The support member 340 can be flexible or rigid and can have any desired configuration. For example, the support member 340 (e.g., a printed circuit board) can be made with ceramic, silicon, glass, and/or organic material(s). Additionally, the support member 340 can include signal paths 349 and additional support contacts 342 that can be used to electrically connect the microelectronic device 310 to other components carried by the support member 340 or external to the support member 340. In certain embodiments, once the workpiece contacts 330 of the microelectronic device 310 are coupled to the respective support contacts 342 of the support member 340, a second protective material 314 b can be placed over at least a portion of the microelectronic device 310 and/or at least a portion of the support structure 340 to provide structural integrity and/or protection from the environment.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the microelectronic device 310 of the microelectronic device assembly 300 can have a larger number of workpiece contacts (with suitable bonding areas) that are accessible from a specified area on a single side of the microfeature workpiece of the device as compared to a conventional die having a two-dimensional array produced using an etching process (as shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, this larger number of workpiece contacts can be provided without resorting to more complex and/or expensive manufacturing processes. Thus, as described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D, an advantage of this feature is that microelectronic devices can be made smaller without resorting to these more complex or costly production techniques and without reducing the number of available workpiece contacts. This in turn, can allow microelectronic device assemblies to be made smaller and/or more microelectronic devices to be mounted to a support member. Smaller microelectronic device assemblies can allow electronic devices to be made smaller and/or more powerful (e.g., a computer can be made smaller with more processing capability).

The embodiments of the microelectronic device assembly 310 and associated methods discussed above with reference to FIG. 3 can be modified in additional embodiments of the invention. For example, although in the illustrated embodiment an adhesive 346 is used to structurally couple the microelectronic device 310 to the support member 340, in other embodiments the microelectronic device 310 can be coupled to the support member 340 via other methods (e.g., via screw(s) and/or clip(s)). In still other embodiments, the microelectronic device assembly 300 includes different arrangements of first and second protective materials 314 a, 314 b, more protective materials, or does not include a first and/or second protective material 314 a, 314 b. In yet other embodiments, the first and second passageways 324 a, 324 b can be untapered or have a different tapered arrangement (e.g., tapered in two directions). In still other embodiments, the microelectronic device assembly 310 can have various arrangements, for example, the microelectronic device assembly 310 can have a board on chip or a chip on board configuration.

In still other embodiments, the workpiece contacts 330 of the microelectronic device 310 can be coupled to the support contacts 342 of the support member 340 using other techniques. For example, in other embodiments the capillary 350 is used to bond the connectors 344 to the second and third workpiece contacts 330 b, 330 c, but the capillary 350 is not inserted into the first or second passageway 324 a, 324 b. In still other embodiments, a molten ball is formed on the end of the connector 344 and the connector 344 is bonded to one of the workpiece contacts 330 without using a capillary 350. In yet other embodiments, other bonding techniques well known in the art are used to electrically couple or connect the workpiece contacts 330 of the microelectronic device 310 to the support contacts 342 of the support structure 340 (e.g., thermal, ultrasonic, and/or flip chip technologies).

As discussed above, in other embodiments a support member can include one or more recessed contacts. Accordingly, FIG. 4 is a partially schematic cross-sectional illustration of a microelectronic device assembly 400 with a microelectronic device 410 having a microfeature workpiece 420 operatively or electrically coupled to a microelectronic support device 405 having a support member 440 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The support member 440 includes four support contacts positioned in a three-dimensional array, shown as a first support contact 442 a, a second support contact 442 b, a third support contact 442 c, and a fourth support contact 442 d (e.g., referred to collectively as support contacts 442). Each support contact 442 includes a first surface 443 a and a second surface 443 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 440 includes a first side 441 a and a second side 441 b, and the first and second support contacts 442 a, 442 b are carried by the first side 441 a. In FIG. 4, the third and fourth support contacts 442 c, 442 d are positioned proximate to the second side 441 b, with a first passageway 445 a and a second passageway 445 b, respectively. Additionally, the third and fourth support contacts 442 c, 442 d are positioned to be recessed from the first surface or side 441 a. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the first passageway 445 a extends between a first aperture 447 a in the first side 441 a of the support member 440 to a second aperture 447 b in the second side 441 b of the support member 440 and the second passageway 445 b extends between the first aperture 447 a and a third aperture 447 c in the second side 441 b of the support member 440. In FIG. 4, the third support contact 442 c is located proximate to the second aperture 447 b (e.g., covering at least a portion of the second aperture 447 b) and extends at least partway through the second aperture 447 b and the first passageway 445 a so that at least a portion of the first surface 443 a of the third support contact 442 c is accessible through the first aperture 447 a. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth support contact 442 d is located proximate to third aperture 447 c and extends at least partway through the third aperture 447 c and the second passageway 445 b so that at least a portion of the first surface 443 a of the fourth support contact 442 d is accessible through the first aperture 447 a.

In other embodiments, the passageways 445 and/or support contacts 442 can be tapered, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. In other embodiments, a first protective material 414 a can cover at least a portion of the support member 440, the second surface 443 b of the third support contact 442 c, and/or the second surface 443 b of the fourth support contact 442 d to provide structural integrity and/or protection from the environment.

In the illustrated embodiment, bond wires 444 can electrically couple the workpiece contacts 430 of the microelectronic device 410 to the third and fourth support contacts 442 c, 442 d. For example, a capillary (discussed above with reference to FIG. 3) can be partially inserted through the first aperture 447 a to bond or connect the bond wire to the support contacts 442 and/or the workpiece contacts 430. In other embodiments, other bonding processes can be used.

The microelectronic support device 405 can be flexible or rigid and can have any desired configuration. For example, the microelectronic support device 405 (e.g., a printed circuit board) can be made with ceramic, silicon, glass, and/or organic material(s). Additionally, the microelectronic support device 405 can include other elements. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the microelectronic support device 405 includes signal paths 449 that connect the first and second support contacts 443 a, 443 b to the third and fourth support contacts 443 c, 443 d respectively. The first and second support contacts can be used to electrically connect the microelectronic support device 405 to other components carried by the microelectronic support device 405 or external to the microelectronic support device 405.

In certain embodiments, once the workpiece contacts 430 of the microelectronic device 410 are coupled to the third and fourth support contacts 442 c, 442 d, a second protective material 414 b can be placed over at least a portion of the microelectronic support device 405, the bonding wires 444, and/or a portion of the microelectronic device 410 to provide structural integrity and/or protection from the environment. Additionally, in certain embodiments the microelectronic device 410 can be structurally coupled to the microelectronic support device 405 (e.g., by an adhesive 446). Some embodiments of the microelectronic support device 405, discussed with reference to FIG. 4 can have features and advantages similar to those discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A-3.

The embodiments of the microelectronic support device 405 and associated methods discussed above with reference to FIG. 4 can be modified in additional embodiments of the invention. For example, although in the illustrated embodiment an adhesive 446 is used to structurally couple the microelectronic device 410 to the microelectronic support device 405, in other embodiments the microelectronic device 410 can be coupled to the microelectronic support device 405 via other methods (e.g., via screw(s) and/or clip(s)). In stillother embodiments, the microelectronic device assembly 400 includes various arrangements, for example, the microelectronic device assembly 400 can have a board on chip or chip on board configuration. In yet other embodiments, the microelectronic device assembly 400 can include different combinations of first and second protective materials 414 a, 414 b, more protective materials, or does not include a first and/or second protective material 414 a, 414 b.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the invention. Additionally, aspects of the invention described in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments a microelectronic device can include multiple microfeature workpieces (e.g., multiple workpieces coupled together), with at least one microfeature workpiece being configured to have one or more of the features described above. Although advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages. Additionally, not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims. 

1. A microelectronic device having a reduced pitch between workpiece contacts, the microelectronic device comprising: a microfeature workpiece having a first side opposite a second side, and a passageway extending through the microfeature workpiece from the first side to the second side; and a first workpiece contact in a first plane at the first side of the microfeature workpiece; a second workpiece contact having a bonding surface, the second workpiece contact being carried by the second side in a second plane generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane, the second workpiece contact being electrically coupled to an element of the microelectronic device, the bonding surface being positioned to be accessible to a wirebond extending through the passageway, the second workpiece contact further having a peripheral first non-bonding surface extending laterally outwardly from the passageway and facing the second side of the microfeature workpiece, and a second non-bonding surface opposite the bonding surface; and a protective material encapsulating the second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact and at least a portion of the second side of the workpiece, wherein the protective material electrically isolates the second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the second workpiece contact is positioned to cover the entire passageway at the second side.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the first peripheral non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact is mounted to the second side of the microfeature workpiece.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the second workpiece contact extends through at least a portion of the passageway.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the passageway is tapered as it extends between the first side and the second side.
 6. A microelectronic device having a reduced pitch between workpiece contacts, the microelectronic device comprising: a microfeature workpiece having a first side opposite a second side, and a passageway extending from an aperture in the first side to the second side, the passageway having a passageway axis; a first workpiece contact positioned at the first side adjacent to the passageway in a workpiece plane that is generally perpendicular to the passageway axis; a second workpiece contact recessed from the first side of the microfeature workpiece along a direction of the passageway axis, wherein a bonding surface of the second workpiece contact is accessible to a wirebond through the aperture and through a passageway, wherein a peripheral first non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact faces the second side of the microfeature workpiece and extends laterally outwardly from the passageway, and wherein a second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact is opposite the bonding surface; and a protective encapsulant covering the second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact and at least a portion of the second side of the microfeature workpiece, wherein the second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact is inaccessible from the second side of the workpiece.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the aperture is a first aperture and wherein the microfeature workpiece further includes a second aperture at the second side, and wherein the second workpiece contact is positioned to cover at least a portion of the second aperture.
 8. The device of claim 6 wherein the aperture is a first aperture and wherein the microfeature workpiece includes a second aperture at the second side, and wherein the second workpiece contact is positioned to cover the entire second aperture.
 9. The device of claim 6 wherein the aperture is a first aperture and wherein the microfeature workpiece includes a second aperture at the second side, and the passageway extends between the first aperture and the second aperture, and wherein the second workpiece contact extends through at least a portion of the passageway.
 10. The device of claim 6 wherein the aperture is a first aperture and wherein the microfeature workpieces includes a second aperture at the second side, and the passageway extends between the first aperture and the second aperture, and wherein the second aperture is smaller than the first aperture and the passageway is tapered as it extends between the first aperture and the second aperture.
 11. The device of claim 6, further comprising a third workpiece contact carried by the first side.
 12. The device of claim 6 wherein the passageway includes a first passageway, the aperture includes a first aperture, and the first side of the microfeature workpiece includes a second aperture, and wherein the device further comprises a third workpiece contact having a surface, at least a portion of the surface of the third workpiece contact being accessible through a second passageway extending between the second aperture and the surface of the third workpiece contact.
 13. The device of claim 6 wherein the second workpiece contact has a first portion and a second portion, each portion being comprised of a different material.
 14. The device of claim 6 wherein the second workpiece contact is electrically coupled to an element of the microelectronic device.
 15. A microelectronic device assembly for reducing a pitch of microfeature workpiece contacts, the assembly comprising: a support member having a first support contact, a second support contact, and a third support contact; a first wirebond; a second wirebond; a third wirebond; a microfeature workpiece having a first side opposite a second side; a first workpiece contact carried by the first side of the microfeature workpiece in a first plane, the first workpiece contact being connected to the first support contact via the first wirebond; a second workpiece contact carried by the second side of the microfeature workpiece in a second plane generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane, the second workpiece contact being recessed from the first side and connected to the second support contact via the second wirebond; a third workpiece contact carried by the second side of the microfeature workpiece in the second plane, the third workpiece contact being recessed from the first side and connected to the third support contact via the third wirebond, wherein positioning the second and third workpiece contacts in the second plane and recessing the second and third workpiece contacts from the side reduces a pitch between the individual first, second, and third workpiece contacts; and a protective material disposed over at least a portion of the second side of the microfeature workpiece, wherein the protective material covers the second and third workpiece contacts and the second and third workpiece contacts are not externally accessible from the second side of the microfeature workpiece.
 16. A microelectronic device assembly, comprising: a support member having a support contact; a bond wire; a microfeature workpiece having a first side opposite a second side, and an aperture in the first side; a first workpiece contact positioned at the first side of the microfeature workpiece in a first plane; a second workpiece contact positioned at the second side of the microfeature workpiece in a second plane generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first plane, the second workpiece contact having a bonding surface, a peripheral first non-bonding surface attached to the second side of the microfeature workpiece, and a second non-bonding surface opposite the bonding surface, the bonding surface of the second workpiece contact being connected to the support contact via the bond wire extending through the aperture and through a passageway extending between the aperture and the bonding surface; and a protective material covering the second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact and at least a portion of the second side of the workpiece, wherein the protective material electrically isolates the second non-bonding surface of the second workpiece contact.
 17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the support contact includes a first support contact, the bond wire includes a first bond wire, and the support contact includes a first support contact, and wherein the assembly further comprises: a second support contact; a second bond wire; and a third workpiece contact carried by the side, the third workpiece contact being connected to the second support contact via the second bond wire.
 18. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the passageway includes a first passageway, the support contact includes a first support contact, the bond wire includes a first bond wire, the aperture includes a first aperture, the microfeature workpiece includes a second aperture in the first side, and the support member includes a second support contact, and wherein the assembly further comprises: a second bond wire; and a third workpiece contact having a surface, the surface of the third workpiece contact being connected to the second support contact via the second bond wire extending through the second aperture and through a second passageway extending between the second aperture and the surface of the third workpiece contact. 